Spotlight

Zach Cameron, Assistant Principal, DMS

"My WHY is the students. As an educator, witnessing their growth is incredible. Students crave love, learning, and discipline. We're part of the "Village" shaping great individuals—students, athletes, citizens—vital to the growth of our community, state, and world."

- Zachary Cameron, Assistant Principal

Magda White, Assistant Principal, DMS

"Cesar Chávez once said, "Sí se puede!"—"It can be done" or "Yes you can." I believe every child can learn, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that helps grow the next generation of thinkers and leaders, making a lasting impact on our world."

- Magda White, Assistant Principal

Welcome Luke Jungles to the DMS family. Luke is our new 7th grade math teacher.

"My parents and my high school basketball coach exhibited excellence in educating others and in being role models for myself and so many others."

- Luke Jungels, Math Teacher

Welcome Ashlee Hoover to Decatur  Middle School. She's an ESL teacher.

"I'm inspired to be an educator because of my passion for children. U wanted a job where I knew I was making a difference."

- Ashlee Hoover, ESL Teacher

Welcome Mr. Jarrod Wheeler to Decatur Middle School. Mr. Wheeler is the Assistant Band Director.

"I want to show my students that I can be a mentor and their teacher. I plan on building turst with my students."

- Jarrod Wheeler, Assistant Band Director

Welcome Vanessa Askins-Wood to Decatur Middle School. She's our newest Instructional Coach.

"I plan to focus on building relationships, setting clear expectations, and creating a safe and inclusive space. I want students to learn and thrive."

- Vanessa Askins-Wood, Instructional Coach

Welcome to Darcia Chambers to the DMS family. She is the new 8th grade Physical Science.

"I want to show my students that learning physical science is fun. I want to make each one feel valued by establishing genuine relationships from day one."

- Darcia Chambers, Teacher

Welcome Jessika Milton to the DMS family. Ms. Milton is the Physical Education teacher.

"My love for sports drove my insptiration. My coaches were the people who instilled character and hardwork - ethics that made me who I am today. I want to be the same inspiration to others."

- Jessika Milton, PE Teacher

Beth Hellebrand, Robotics and Scholars Bowl Teacher, DMS

"Having a job where I empower students to explore ideas, collaborate, make mistakes, and learn is incredible. Seeing their pride when concepts click and ideas become reality is so rewarding. Teaching perseverance and witnessing success is why I do this. It's the best job."

- Beth Hellebrand, Robotics/Scholars Bowl Teacher

Tristan Ziannis, Decatur Middle School Teacher

"I chose to become a teacher because I want to be a part of student's stories. I want kids to learn and grow in every aspect of their lives."

- Tristan Ziannis

Noah Armstrong, Decatur Middle School, Teacher

"I had teachers who developed relationships with me in my school experience. They helped me develop my outlook and my approach to live."

- Noah Armstrong

Kennedy O'Connor, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"I like to let my students know that failure is not permanent. We all fail but it's what we do after the failure what really matters!"

- Kennedy O'Connor

Julie Massey, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"I want my students to learn and be loved."

- Julie Massey

Joshua "Colby" Moon, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"I was inspired to become an educator in order to have the opportunity to positively impact our youth."

- Joshua "Colby" Moon

Cameron Bates, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"Throughout my life I have always had great teachers who made an impact in my life as well as others. I became an educator to give back to the world and make a positive impact in students lives."

- Cameron Bates

Abbey Haraway, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"I will ensure that all of my students know they are loved and valued both inside and outside of my room."

- Abbey Haraway

Laura Green Nelson, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"I was inspired to become an educator because of the amazing teachers who inspired me throughout my childhood education."

- Laura Green Nelson

Ashlyn Corbin, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"My goal is to make sure all of my students grow and learn using high quality tiered instruction."

- Ashlyn Corbin

Destiny Elkins, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"My goal is for this school year is for each of my students to show growth in their knowledge regarding math while also learning how to productively contribute to their community."

- Destiny Elkins